The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Colorado DMV knowledge test is approximately 25 questions. You must score at least 80% to pass — meaning you need at least 20 correct and can miss up to 5. (Question count is not stated in the handbook; we use 25 as the simulator default. Confirm at myDMV.Colorado.gov.)
If you fail, you can retake the test at a Colorado driver license office. Written tests are not given within 30 minutes of an office's scheduled closing time. Practice quizzes are available through the myColorado app. Confirm retake scheduling and any waiting period at DMV.Colorado.gov.
Schedule an appointment at myDMV.Colorado.gov. Written tests are given at DMV driver license offices. You can also practice on the myColorado app before you arrive.
Applicants under 18 must submit a signed Affidavit of Liability (DR2460). Applicants younger than 16 and 6 months must complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved driver education instructor before the driving skills test.
Colorado uses two impaired-driving charges: DWAI starts at BAC 0.05% and DUI starts at BAC 0.08%. Under 21 = 0.02% (Zero Tolerance). CDL = 0.04%. Marijuana: permissible inference of DUI at 5 ng/ml THC. Colorado has an Express Consent Law — refusal means 1-year revocation + 2 years interlock.
1st DWAI: $200–$500 fine, 2–180 days jail, 24–48 hrs CS, 8 points. 1st DUI: $600–$1,000, 5–365 days jail, 48–96 hrs CS, 9-month revocation. 2nd: $600–$1,500, 10–365 days jail, 48–120 hrs CS, 1-year revocation. 3rd+: $600–$1,500, 60–365 days jail, 48–120 hrs CS, 2-year revocation. Colorado does not allow plea bargains out of alcohol/drug driving offenses.
Instruction Permit at 15 (with driver ed) or 16, held for 12 months. Supervisor must be 21+ with a valid CO license in the front passenger seat. Required: 50-hour driving log (10 at night). First 6 months of licensure: no passengers under 21. Next 6 months: 1 passenger under 21. First year curfew: midnight–5 a.m. (with parent/instructor/legal-guardian and school/work exceptions).
Colorado uses the 3-second rule under normal conditions. Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed reference point (sign, pole, mile marker) and count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three." If you pass the point before you finish, you are too close. Increase the distance in rain, fog, snow, ice, or high winds.
Unless otherwise posted: 20 mph narrow/winding mountain highway or blind curve, 25 mph business district, 30 mph residence district, 40 mph open mountain highway, 45 mph trash haulers, 55 mph urban interstate/highway, 65–75 mph designated rural interstate. Fines are doubled in school zones and work zones.
Signal continuously 100 feet before a turn/lane change in urban areas, 200 feet on 4-lane highways where the speed limit exceeds 40 mph — minimum on time: 3 seconds. Right on red is allowed after a complete stop unless prohibited. Left on red: one-way onto one-way only, after stopping and yielding.
Stop at least 20 feet before a school bus stopped with red lights flashing, and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing. You must stop from both directions. Exception: you are not required to stop if a median or other physical barrier separates the bus from your vehicle.
Colorado law requires headlights on from sunset to sunrise or when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle.
No parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or railroad crossing. No parking on a crosswalk, sidewalk, bridge, railroad tracks, controlled-access highway, inside a tunnel/intersection, on/off ramp, or in a bike lane. When parallel parking is allowed, park within 12 inches of the curb.
Under 2 yr AND under 40 lbs: rear-facing in the rear seat. Under 2 yr AND 40+ lbs: rear- or forward-facing. 2 to under 4 (20+ lbs): rear- or forward-facing in the rear seat. 4 to under 9 (40+ lbs): child restraint or booster in the rear seat. 9 to 18: seat belt or restraint per manufacturer instructions. Driver, all front-seat passengers, and children under 16 must be restrained.
You need 80% on the Colorado DMV knowledge test (about 20 of 25 questions correct). Aim for 90%+ on your practice runs to leave yourself a safety margin on test day.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Colorado test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the DMV office.
Download the Colorado Driver Handbook (December 2024) at https://dmv.colorado.gov. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Colorado has a unique 20 mph limit on narrow, winding mountain highways and blind curves, and a 40 mph default on open mountain highways. Don't assume your "city" or "highway" number from another state applies in Colorado.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual